Acoustic signatures

ABSTRACT

Embodiments described herein provide for acoustic signatures in a playback system. An example implementation involves receiving, from a microphone of the controller device, an audio signal played by a playback device, the audio signal indicating network information corresponding to the playback device. The example implementation further involves identifying the playback device based on the network information and responsively, modifying a user interface on the controller device based on the identification of the playback device.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §120 to, and is acontinuation of, U.S. non-provisional patent application Ser. No.14/558,944, filed on Dec. 3, 2014, entitled “Acoustic Signatures,” whichis assigned to the assignee of the present application and isincorporated herein by reference. U.S. non-provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 14/558,944 is a continuation of U.S.non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 13/568,993, filed on Aug. 7,2012, entitled “Acoustic Signatures in a Playback System,” and issued asU.S. Pat. No. 8,930,005, which is assigned to the assignee of thepresent application and is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The disclosure is related to consumer goods and, more particularly, tosystems, products, features, services, and other items directed to mediaplayback or some aspect thereof.

BACKGROUND

Technological advancements have increased the accessibility of musiccontent, as well as other types of media, such as television content,movies, and interactive content. For example, a user can access audio,video, or both audio and video content over the Internet through anonline store, an Internet radio station, a music service, a movieservice, and so on, in addition to the more traditional avenues ofaccessing audio and video content. Demand for audio, video, and bothaudio and video content inside and outside of the home continues toincrease.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Features, aspects, and advantages of the presently disclosed technologyare better understood with regard to the following description, appendedclaims, and accompanying drawings where:

FIG. 1 shows an illustration of an example system in which embodimentsdisclosed herein can be implemented;

FIG. 2A shows an illustration of an example zone player having abuilt-in amplifier and speakers;

FIG. 2B shows an illustration of an example zone player having abuilt-in amplifier and connected to external speakers;

FIG. 2C shows an illustration of an example zone player connected to anA/V receiver and speakers;

FIG. 3 shows an illustration of an example controller;

FIG. 4 shows an internal functional block diagram of an example zoneplayer;

FIG. 5 shows an internal functional block diagram of an examplecontroller; and

FIG. 6 shows an internal functional block diagram of an examplecontroller;

FIG. 7 shows an example graph of equal-loudness contours;

FIG. 8a illustrates a flow diagram of a first example method tofacilitate automatic room recognition with acoustic signatures; and

FIG. 8b illustrates a flow diagram of a second example method tofacilitate automatic room recognition with acoustic signatures.

In addition, the drawings are for the purpose of illustrating exampleembodiments, but it is understood that the present disclosure is notlimited to the arrangements and instrumentality shown in the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION I. Overview

Listening to audio content out loud can be a social activity thatinvolves family, friends, or both. Audio content may include, forinstance, music, talk radio, books, audio from television, and otheraudible material. For example, in a household, people may play music outloud at parties and other social gatherings. In such an environment,people may wish to play the music in one listening zone or multiplelistening zones simultaneously, such that the music in each listeningzone may be synchronized, without audible echoes or glitches. Such anexperience may be further enriched when people, for example, browseaudio sources, add a music track to a playback queue, learn more about amusic track (such as track title or track artists), or view what musictrack is next in the playback queue.

Listening to audio content out loud can also be an individualexperience. For example, an individual may play music out loud forthemselves in the morning before work, in the evening during dinner, orat other times throughout the day at home, work, or on the road. In ahousehold or shared environment, individuals may want to play differentmusic in different listening zones at the same time. For theseindividual experiences, the individual may choose to either useheadphones or limit the out loud playback of audio content to a singlezone or area.

Time-to-music is an important element of the audio experience andtime-to-music can be reduced, for example, when a user can select andplay music without having to navigate several menu items or displayscreens. Favorites, playlists, and personalized streaming services thattailor to a user's preference (e.g., Pandora™) can minimize search timeto provide content quickly. However, content selection is only oneaspect of time-to-music, and other elements such as player or roomselection, zone grouping, and so on contribute to increasedtime-to-music.

Example systems, methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacturedisclosed and described herein provide for an acoustic signature emittedfrom a playback device. In some embodiments, the acoustic signatureidentifies the playback device and/or characteristics about the playbackdevice. In some embodiments, the acoustic signature identifies alistening zone or a group of listening zones. In some embodiments, theacoustic signature is dynamic and changes over time and/or changesresponsive to a change in system configuration. According to someembodiments, the acoustic signature can be used to decrease a user'stime-to-music, examples of which are described herein.

Example systems, methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacturedisclosed and described herein provide for automatic recognition using amicrophone on a controller. For example, when a user enters a zone orlistening area with a controller for the playback system, the controllerautomatically recognizes the acoustic signature emitted from theplayback device. In some embodiments, the controller is an applicationon a mobile device such as a smart phone (e.g., IPHONE™, ANDROID™ phone,and so on) or tablet (e.g., IPAD™, ANDROID™ tablet, and so on). In otherembodiments, the controller is a portable device dedicated to controlthe playback system (e.g., SONOS™ Controller, etc.). In someembodiments, the user interface (UI) on the controller is responsivelyupdated after an acoustic signature is detected. For example, anindication of a zone may be displayed on a display screen and/orplayback controls may be automatically assigned to the zone. In anotherexample, an indication of a playback device may be displayed on adisplay screen and/or device controls may be automatically assigned tothe device. According to an example, the acoustic signature can be usedto decrease a user's time-to-music by, for example, triggering anautomatic modification of the UI on the controller to reflect a morelikely scenario for media playback.

Example systems, methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacturedisclosed and described herein provide for automatic recognition usingan acoustic signature emitted from a playback device. In someembodiments, the acoustic signature is emitted from the playback deviceindirectly through one or more external speakers that are connected tothe playback device. In some embodiments, the acoustic signature isemitted from the playback device directly when the playback deviceincludes speakers. In some embodiments, the acoustic signature isemitted from the playback device when audio is playing from the playbackdevice. In some embodiments, the acoustic signature is emitted from theplayback device when no media-based audio is playing from the playbackdevice. In some embodiments, the acoustic signature that is emitted fromthe playback device is imperceptible (or substantially imperceptible) bya user. For example, the acoustic signature could be shaped such thatthe frequencies of the signature are outside, or generally outside, thelistening response of the human ear. According to another example, theacoustic signature can be used to decrease a user's time-to-music by,for example, providing automatic recognition of the playback device viathe acoustic signature.

Many other embodiments and advantages are provided and described herein.

II. An Example Operating Environment

Referring now to the drawings, in which like numerals can refer to likeparts throughout the figures, FIG. 1 shows an example system 100 inwhich one or more embodiments disclosed herein can be practiced orimplemented.

By way of illustration, system 100 represents a home presentlyconfigured with multiple zones, though the home could have beenconfigured with only one zone. Each zone in the home, for example, mayrepresent a different room or space, such as an office, bathroom,bedroom, kitchen, dining room, family room, home theater room, utilityor laundry room, and patio. A single zone might also include multiplerooms if so configured. One or more of zone players 102-124 are shown ineach respective zone of the home. A zone player 102-124, also referredto as a playback device, multimedia unit, speaker, player, and so on,provides audio, video, and/or audiovisual output. Controller 130provides control to system 100. Controller 130 may be fixed to a zone,or alternatively, mobile such that it can be moved about the zones.System 100 may also include more than one controller 130. System 100illustrates an example whole house audio system, though it is understoodthat the technology described herein is not limited to its particularplace of application or to an expansive system like a whole house audiosystem 100 of FIG. 1.

A. Example Zone Players

FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C show example types of zone players. Zone players200, 202, and 204 of FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C, respectively, can correspondto any of the zone players 102-124 of FIG. 1, for example. In someembodiments, audio is reproduced using only a single zone player, suchas by a full-range player. In some embodiments, audio is reproducedusing two or more zone players, such as by using a combination offull-range players or a combination of full-range and specializedplayers. In some embodiments, zone players 200-204 may also be referredto as a “smart speaker,” because they contain processing capabilitiesbeyond the reproduction of audio, more of which is described below.

FIG. 2A illustrates zone player 200 that includes sound producingequipment 208 capable of reproducing full-range sound. The sound maycome from an audio signal that is received and processed by zone player200 over a wired or wireless data network. Sound producing equipment 208includes one or more built-in amplifiers and one or more speakers. Abuilt-in amplifier is described more below with respect to FIG. 4. Aspeaker or acoustic transducer can include, for example, any of atweeter, a mid-range driver, a low-range driver, and a subwoofer. Insome embodiments, zone player 200 can be statically or dynamicallyconfigured to play stereophonic audio, monaural audio, or both. In someembodiments, zone player 200 is configured to reproduce a subset offull-range sound, such as when zone player 200 is grouped with otherzone players to play stereophonic audio, monaural audio, and/or surroundaudio or when the audio content received by zone player 200 is less thanfull-range.

FIG. 2B illustrates zone player 202 that includes a built-in amplifierto power a set of detached speakers 210. A detached speaker can include,for example, any type of loudspeaker. Zone player 202 may be configuredto power one, two, or more separate loudspeakers. Zone player 202 may beconfigured to communicate an audio signal (e.g., right and left channelaudio or more channels depending on its configuration) to the detachedspeakers 210 via a wired path.

FIG. 2C illustrates zone player 204 that does not include a built-inamplifier, but is configured to communicate an audio signal, receivedover a data network, to an audio (or “audio/video”) receiver 214 withbuilt-in amplification.

Referring back to FIG. 1, in some embodiments, one, some, or all of thezone players 102 to 124 can retrieve audio directly from a source. Forexample, a zone player may contain a playlist or queue of audio items tobe played (also referred to herein as a “playback queue”). Each item inthe queue may comprise a uniform resource identifier (URI) or some otheridentifier. The URI or identifier can point the zone player to the audiosource. The source might be found on the Internet (e.g., the cloud),locally from another device over data network 128, the controller 130,stored on the zone player itself, or from an audio source communicatingdirectly to the zone player. In some embodiments, the zone player canreproduce the audio itself, send it to another zone player forreproduction, or both where the audio is played by the zone player andone or more additional zone players in synchrony. In some embodiments,the zone player can play a first audio content (or not play at all),while sending a second, different audio content to another zoneplayer(s) for reproduction.

By way of illustration, SONOS, Inc. of Santa Barbara, Calif. presentlyoffers for sale zone players referred to as a “PLAY:5,” “PLAY:3,”“CONNECT:AMP,” “CONNECT,” and “SUB.” Any other past, present, and/orfuture zone players can additionally or alternatively be used toimplement the zone players of example embodiments disclosed herein.Additionally, it is understood that a zone player is not limited to theparticular examples illustrated in FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C or to the SONOSproduct offerings. For example, a zone player may include a wired orwireless headphone. In yet another example, a zone player might includea sound bar for television. In yet another example, a zone player caninclude or interact with a docking station for an Apple IPOD™ or similardevice.

B. Example Controllers

FIG. 3 illustrates an example wireless controller 300 in docking station302. By way of illustration, controller 300 can correspond tocontrolling device 130 of FIG. 1. Docking station 302, if provided, maybe used to charge a battery of controller 300. In some embodiments,controller 300 is provided with a touch screen 304 that allows a user tointeract through touch with the controller 300, for example, to retrieveand navigate a playlist of audio items, control operations of one ormore zone players, and provide overall control of the systemconfiguration 100. In certain embodiments, any number of controllers canbe used to control the system configuration 100. In some embodiments,there can be a limit set on the number of controllers that can controlthe system configuration 100. The controllers might be wireless likewireless controller 300 or wired to data network 128.

In some embodiments, if more than one controller is used in system 100,then each controller may be coordinated to display common content, andmay all be dynamically updated to indicate changes made from a singlecontroller. Coordination can occur, for instance, by a controllerperiodically requesting a state variable directly or indirectly from oneor more zone players; the state variable may provide information aboutsystem 100, such as current zone group configuration, what is playing inone or more zones, volume levels, and other items of interest. The statevariable may be passed around on data network 128 between zone players(and controllers, if so desired) as needed or as often as programmed.

In addition, an application running on any network-enabled portabledevice, such as an IPHONE™, IPAD™, ANDROID™ powered phone, or any othersmart phone or network-enabled device can be used as controller 130. Anapplication running on a laptop or desktop personal computer (PC) orMac™ can also be used as controller 130. Such controllers may connect tosystem 100 through an interface with data network 128, a zone player, awireless router, or using some other configured connection path. Examplecontrollers offered by SONOS, Inc. of Santa Barbara, Calif. include a“Controller 200,” “SONOS® CONTROL,” “SONOS® Controller for iPhone,”“SONOS® Controller for IPAD™,” “SONOS® Controller for ANDROID™,” “SONOS®Controller for MAC™ or PC.”

C. Example Data Connection

Zone players 102 to 124 of FIG. 1 are coupled directly or indirectly toa data network, such as data network 128. Controller 130 may also becoupled directly or indirectly to data network 128 or individual zoneplayers. Data network 128 is represented by an octagon in the figure tostand out from other representative components. While data network 128is shown in a single location, it is understood that such a network isdistributed in and around system 100. Particularly, data network 128 canbe a wired network, a wireless network, or a combination of both wiredand wireless networks. In some embodiments, one or more of the zoneplayers 102-124 are wirelessly coupled to data network 128 based on aproprietary mesh network. In some embodiments, one or more of the zoneplayers 102-124 are wirelessly coupled to data network 128 using anon-mesh topology. In some embodiments, one or more of the zone players102-124 are coupled via a wire to data network 128 using Ethernet orsimilar technology. In addition to the one or more zone players 102-124connecting to data network 128, data network 128 can further allowaccess to a wide area network, such as the Internet.

In some embodiments, connecting any of the zone players 102-124, or someother connecting device, to a broadband router, can create data network128. Other zone players 102-124 can then be added wired or wirelessly tothe data network 128. For example, a zone player (e.g., any of zoneplayers 102-124) can be added to the system configuration 100 by simplypressing a button on the zone player itself (or perform some otheraction), which enables a connection to be made to data network 128. Thebroadband router can be connected to an Internet Service Provider (ISP),for example. The broadband router can be used to form another datanetwork within the system configuration 100, which can be used in otherapplications (e.g., web surfing). Data network 128 can also be used inother applications, if so programmed. An example, second network mayimplement SONOSNET™ protocol, developed by SONOS, Inc. of Santa Barbara.SONOSNET™ represents a secure, AES-encrypted, peer-to-peer wireless meshnetwork. Alternatively, in certain embodiments, the data network 128 isthe same network, such as a traditional wired or wireless network, usedfor other applications in the household.

D. Example Zone Configurations

A particular zone can contain one or more zone players. For example, thefamily room of FIG. 1 contains two zone players 106 and 108, while thekitchen is shown with one zone player 102. In another example, the hometheater room contains additional zone players to play audio from a 5.1channel or greater audio source (e.g., a movie encoded with 5.1 orgreater audio channels). In some embodiments, one can position a zoneplayer in a room or space and assign the zone player to a new orexisting zone via controller 130. As such, zones may be created,combined with another zone, removed, and given a specific name (e.g.,“Kitchen”), if so desired and programmed to do so with controller 130.Moreover, in some embodiments, zone configurations may be dynamicallychanged even after being configured using controller 130 or some othermechanism.

In some embodiments, if a zone contains two or more zone players, suchas the two zone players 106 and 108 in the family room, then the twozone players 106 and 108 can be configured to play the same audio sourcein synchrony, or the two zone players 106 and 108 can be paired to playtwo separate sounds in left and right channels, for example. In otherwords, the stereo effects of a sound can be reproduced or enhancedthrough the two zone players 106 and 108, one for the left sound and theother for the right sound. In certain embodiments, paired zone players(also referred to as “bonded zone players”) can play audio in synchronywith other zone players in the same or different zones.

In some embodiments, two or more zone players can be sonicallyconsolidated to form a single, consolidated zone player. A consolidatedzone player (though made up of multiple, separate devices) can beconfigured to process and reproduce sound differently than anunconsolidated zone player or zone players that are paired, because aconsolidated zone player will have additional speaker drivers from whichsound can be passed. The consolidated zone player can further be pairedwith a single zone player or yet another consolidated zone player. Eachplayback device of a consolidated playback device can be set in aconsolidated mode, for example.

According to some embodiments, one can continue to do any of: group,consolidate, and pair zone players, for example, until a desiredconfiguration is complete. The actions of grouping, consolidation, andpairing are preferably performed through a control interface, such asusing controller 130, and not by physically connecting and re-connectingspeaker wire, for example, to individual, discrete speakers to createdifferent configurations. As such, certain embodiments described hereinprovide a more flexible and dynamic platform through which soundreproduction can be offered to the end-user.

E. Example Audio Sources

In some embodiments, each zone can play from the same audio source asanother zone or each zone can play from a different audio source. Forexample, someone can be grilling on the patio and listening to jazzmusic via zone player 124, while someone is preparing food in thekitchen and listening to classical music via zone player 102. Further,someone can be in the office listening to the same jazz music via zoneplayer 110 that is playing on the patio via zone player 124. In someembodiments, the jazz music played via zone players 110 and 124 isplayed in synchrony. Synchronizing playback amongst zones allows forsomeone to pass through zones while seamlessly (or substantiallyseamlessly) listening to the audio. Further, zones can be put into a“party mode” such that all associated zones will play audio insynchrony.

Sources of audio content to be played by zone players 102-124 arenumerous. In some embodiments, music on a zone player itself may beaccessed and a played. In some embodiments, music from a personallibrary stored on a computer or networked-attached storage (NAS) may beaccessed via the data network 128 and played. In some embodiments,Internet radio stations, shows, and podcasts can be accessed via thedata network 128. Music or cloud services that let a user stream and/ordownload music and audio content can be accessed via the data network128. Further, music can be obtained from traditional sources, such as aturntable or CD player, via a line-in connection to a zone player, forexample. Audio content can also be accessed using a different protocol,such as AIRPLAY™, which is a wireless technology by Apple, Inc., forexample. Audio content received from one or more sources can be sharedamongst the zone players 102 to 124 via data network 128 and/orcontroller 130. The above-disclosed sources of audio content arereferred to herein as network-based audio information sources. However,network-based audio information sources are not limited thereto.

In some embodiments, the example home theater zone players 116, 118, 120are coupled to an audio information source such as a television 132. Insome examples, the television 132 is used as a source of audio for thehome theater zone players 116, 118, 120, while in other examples audioinformation from the television 132 can be shared with any of the zoneplayers 102-124 in the audio system 100.

III. Zone Players

Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown an example block diagram of azone player 400 in accordance with an embodiment. Zone player 400includes a network interface 402, a processor 408, a memory 410, anaudio processing component 412, one or more modules 414, an audioamplifier 416, a speaker unit 418 coupled to the audio amplifier 416,and an acoustic signature module. FIG. 2A shows an example illustrationof such a zone player. Other types of zone players may not include thespeaker unit 418 (e.g., such as shown in FIG. 2B) or the audio amplifier416 (e.g., such as shown in FIG. 2C). Further, it is contemplated thatthe zone player 400 can be integrated into another component. Forexample, the zone player 400 could be constructed as part of atelevision, lighting, or some other device for indoor or outdoor use.

In some embodiments, network interface 402 facilitates a data flowbetween zone player 400 and other devices on a data network 128. In someembodiments, in addition to getting audio from another zone player ordevice on data network 128, zone player 400 may access audio directlyfrom the audio source, such as over a wide area network or on the localnetwork. In some embodiments, the network interface 402 can furtherhandle the address part of each packet so that it gets to the rightdestination or intercepts packets destined for the zone player 400.Accordingly, in certain embodiments, each of the packets includes anInternet Protocol (IP)-based source address as well as an IP-baseddestination address.

In some embodiments, network interface 402 can include one or both of awireless interface 404 and a wired interface 406. The wireless interface404, also referred to as a radio frequency (RF) interface, providesnetwork interface functions for the zone player 400 to wirelesslycommunicate with other devices (e.g., other zone player(s), speaker(s),receiver(s), component(s) associated with the data network 128, and soon) in accordance with a communication protocol (e.g., any wirelessstandard including IEEE 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, or 802.15).Wireless interface 404 may include one or more radios. To receivewireless signals and to provide the wireless signals to the wirelessinterface 404 and to transmit wireless signals, the zone player 400includes one or more antennas 420. The wired interface 406 providesnetwork interface functions for the zone player 400 to communicate overa wire with other devices in accordance with a communication protocol(e.g., IEEE 802.3). In some embodiments, a zone player includes both ofthe interfaces 404 and 406. In some embodiments, a zone player 400includes only the wireless interface 404 or the wired interface 406.

In some embodiments, the processor 408 is a clock-driven electronicdevice that is configured to process input data according toinstructions stored in memory 410. The memory 410 is data storage thatcan be loaded with one or more software module(s) 414, which can beexecuted by the processor 408 to achieve certain tasks. In theillustrated embodiment, the memory 410 is a tangible machine-readablemedium storing instructions that can be executed by the processor 408.In some embodiments, a task might be for the zone player 400 to retrieveaudio data from another zone player or a device on a network (e.g.,using a uniform resource locator (URL) or some other identifier). Insome embodiments, a task may be for the zone player 400 to send audiodata to another zone player or device on a network. In some embodiments,a task may be for the zone player 400 to synchronize playback of audiowith one or more additional zone players. In some embodiments, a taskmay be to pair the zone player 400 with one or more zone players tocreate a multi-channel audio environment. Additional or alternativetasks can be achieved via the one or more software module(s) 414 and theprocessor 408.

The audio processing component 412 can include one or moredigital-to-analog converters (DAC), an audio preprocessing component, anaudio enhancement component or a digital signal processor, and so on. Insome embodiments, the audio processing component 412 may be part ofprocessor 408. In some embodiments, the audio that is retrieved via thenetwork interface 402 is processed and/or intentionally altered by theaudio processing component 412. Further, the audio processing component412 can produce analog audio signals. The processed analog audio signalsare then provided to the audio amplifier 416 for play back throughspeakers 418. In addition, the audio processing component 412 caninclude circuitry to process analog or digital signals as inputs to playfrom zone player 400, send to another zone player on a network, or bothplay and send to another zone player on the network. An example inputincludes a line-in connection (e.g., an auto-detecting 3.5 mm audioline-in connection).

The audio amplifier 416 is a device(s) that amplifies audio signals to alevel for driving one or more speakers 418. The one or more speakers 418can include an individual transducer (e.g., a “driver”) or a completespeaker system that includes an enclosure including one or more drivers.A particular driver can be a subwoofer (e.g., for low frequencies), amid-range driver (e.g., for middle frequencies), and a tweeter (e.g.,for high frequencies), for example. An enclosure can be sealed orported, for example. Each transducer may be driven by its own individualamplifier.

In some embodiments, the acoustic signature module 422 transmits anacoustic signature (e.g., identification information) via the audioprocessing component 412 as audio signals. In one embodiment, theinformation (as an audio signal) is provided to the audio amplifier 416for playback through speakers 418. In another embodiment, theinformation (as an audio signal) is provided to the audio amplifier 416for playback through external speakers. In yet another embodiment, theinformation (as an audio signal) is provided to an external amplifierfor playback.

FIG. 5 shows an example where the signature module 422 feeds theacoustic signature into the audio module 412 at a point after signalprocessing takes place in the audio module 412. Mixing the acousticsignature with the audio after the signal processing is done avoidsequalization being applied to the acoustic signature. Audio intended forplayback by the device enters the audio processing component in block502. For example, the audio can come from a network interface or from aline-in connection as described above. In block 504, a signal processingmodule performs equalization or other signal processing on the audioinput. For example, if a PLAY:3 device is paired with a SUB device, thenthe low-frequencies of the audio input signal can be filtered out usinga low pass filter (LPF) in the signal processing module 504. In block506, the audio is mixed with the acoustic signature. Note that, forexample, if there is currently no audio for playback when the acousticsignature is mixed, then the output of block 506 is just the acousticsignature. In block 508, the audio output exits the audio module 412.For example, the audio plus acoustic signature can be played by internalor external speakers, or it can be passed to another device forplayback.

A commercial example, presently known as the PLAY:5, is a zone playerwith a built-in amplifier and speakers that is capable of retrievingaudio directly from the source, such as on the Internet or on the localnetwork, for example. In particular, the PLAY:5 is a five-amp,five-driver speaker system that includes two tweeters, two mid-rangedrivers, and one woofer. When playing audio content via the PLAY:5, theleft audio data of a track is sent out of the left tweeter and leftmid-range driver, the right audio data of a track is sent out of theright tweeter and the right mid-range driver, and mono bass is sent outof the subwoofer. Further, both mid-range drivers and both tweeters havethe same equalization (or substantially the same equalization). That is,they are both sent the same frequencies, but from different channels ofaudio. Audio from Internet radio stations, online music and videoservices, downloaded music, analog audio inputs, television, DVD, and soon, can be played from the PLAY:5.

IV. Controller

Referring now to FIG. 6, there is shown an example block diagram forcontroller 600, which can correspond to the controlling device 130 inFIG. 1. Controller 600 can be used to facilitate the control ofmulti-media applications, automation and others in a system. Inparticular, the controller 600 may be configured to facilitate aselection of a plurality of audio sources available on the network andenable control of one or more zone players (e.g., the zone players102-124 in FIG. 1) through a wireless or wired network interface 608.According to one embodiment, the wireless communications is based on anindustry standard (e.g., infrared, radio, wireless standards includingIEEE 802.11a, 802.11b 802.11g, 802.11n, or 802.15, and so on). Further,when a particular audio is being accessed via the controller 600 orbeing played via a zone player, a picture (e.g., album art) or any otherdata, associated with the audio and/or audio source can be transmittedfrom a zone player or other electronic device to controller 600 fordisplay.

Controller 600 is provided with a screen 602 and an input interface 614that allows a user to interact with the controller 600, for example, tonavigate a playlist of many multimedia items and to control operationsof one or more zone players. The input interface 614 may be coupled to amicrophone 616 for capturing audio signals, such as audio content, andacoustic signature, or voice commands as control inputs. The screen 602on the controller 600 can be an LCD screen, for example. The screen 600communicates with and is commanded by a screen driver 604 that iscontrolled by a microcontroller (e.g., a processor) 606. The memory 610can be loaded with one or more application modules 612 that can beexecuted by the microcontroller 606 with or without a user input via theuser interface 614 to achieve certain tasks. In some embodiments, anapplication module 612 is configured to facilitate grouping a number ofselected zone players into a zone group and synchronizing the zoneplayers for audio play back. In some embodiments, an application module612 is configured to control the audio sounds (e.g., volume) of the zoneplayers in a zone group. In operation, when the microcontroller 606executes one or more of the application modules 612, the screen driver604 generates control signals to drive the screen 602 to display anapplication specific user interface accordingly. In some embodiments, aroom recognition module 618 is a type of application module 612 that isconfigured to identify a room location. In operation, when themicrocontroller 606 executes the room recognition module 618, and theoutput from the microphone module is provided to the room recognitionmodule to identify a room.

The controller 600 includes a network interface 608 that facilitateswired or wireless communication with a zone player. In some embodiments,the commands such as volume control and audio playback synchronizationare sent via the network interface 608. In some embodiments, a savedzone group configuration is transmitted between a zone player and acontroller via the network interface 608. The controller 600 can controlone or more zone players, such as 102-124 of FIG. 1. There can be morethan one controller for a particular system, and each controller mayshare common information with another controller, or retrieve the commoninformation from a zone player, if such a zone player storesconfiguration data (e.g., such as a state variable). Further, acontroller can be integrated into a zone player.

It should be noted that other network-enabled devices such as anIPHONE®, IPAD® or any other smart phone or network-enabled device (e.g.,a networked computer such as a PC or Mac®) can also be used as acontroller to interact or control zone players in a particularenvironment. In some embodiments, a software application or upgrade canbe downloaded onto a network-enabled device to perform the functionsdescribed herein.

In certain embodiments, a user can create a zone group including atleast two zone players from the controller 600. The zone players in thezone group can play audio in a synchronized fashion, such that all ofthe zone players in the zone group play back an identical audio sourceor a list of identical audio sources in a synchronized manner such thatno (or substantially no) audible delays or hiccups are to be heard.Similarly, in some embodiments, when a user increases the audio volumeof the group from the controller 600, the signals or data of increasingthe audio volume for the group are sent to one of the zone players andcauses other zone players in the group to be increased together involume.

A user via the controller 600 can group zone players into a zone groupby activating a “Link Zones” or “Add Zone” soft button, or de-grouping azone group by activating an “Unlink Zones” or “Drop Zone” button. Forexample, one mechanism for ‘joining’ zone players together for audioplay back is to link a number of zone players together to form a group.To link a number of zone players together, a user can manually link eachzone player or room one after the other. For example, assume that thereis a multi-zone system that includes the following zones: Bathroom,Bedroom, Den, Dining Room, Family Room, and Foyer.

In certain embodiments, a user can link any number of the six zoneplayers, for example, by starting with a single zone and then manuallylinking each zone to that zone.

In certain embodiments, a set of zones can be dynamically linkedtogether using a command to create a zone scene or theme (subsequent tofirst creating the zone scene). For instance, a “Morning” zone scenecommand can link the Bedroom, Office, and Kitchen zones together in oneaction. Without this single command, the user would manually andindividually link each zone. The single command may include a mouseclick, a double mouse click, a button press, a gesture, or some otherprogrammed action. Other kinds of zone scenes can be programmed.

In certain embodiments, a zone scene can be triggered based on time(e.g., an alarm clock function). For instance, a zone scene can be setto apply at 8:00 am. The system can link appropriate zonesautomatically, set specific music to play, and then stop the music aftera defined duration. Although any particular zone can be triggered to an“On” or “Off” state based on time, for example, a zone scene enables anyzone(s) linked to the scene to play a predefined audio (e.g., afavorable song, a predefined playlist) at a specific time and/or for aspecific duration. If, for any reason, the scheduled music failed to beplayed (e.g., an empty playlist, no connection to a share, failedUniversal Plug and Play (UPnP), no Internet connection for an InternetRadio station, and so on), a backup buzzer can be programmed to sound.The buzzer can include a sound file that is stored in a zone player, forexample.

VII. Room Recognition Using Acoustic Signatures

In an example system such as the one shown in FIG. 1, where a SONOSsystem, for example, including multiple playback devices and one or morecontrollers, is connected together in a local area network (LAN), theability to identify a playback device or a zone, or both the playbackdevice and the zone, based on detecting an acoustic signaturetransmitted from a playback device may be valuable. A playback device inthe example system may transmit the acoustic signature such that amicrophone on a controller (or, similarly, a microphone associated withthe controller) can detect the signature without the user hearing thesignature. It is understood, however, that the signature may be heard bya particularly sensitive user depending on the type of signature used.It is further understood, that the signature may be configured to bewithin the boundaries of human hearing and therefore heard by the useraccording to other embodiments. Further, it may be valuable toautomatically modify the UI on a controller based on the identificationof the playback device or zone.

A. Players and Grouped Players

In the example system, one or more users can listen to audio using oneor more playback devices, also referred to as players or zone players.In some embodiments, the example system includes the capability to groupmultiple players together to play audio in a synchronized fashion suchthat all of the players play back audio from an (e.g., identical) audiosource or a list of audio sources in a synchronized manner such that no(or substantially no) audible delays or can be heard. Examples ofgrouped players include a zone group (when two or more zones aregrouped), zone scenes (when a zone or zone group is formed based upon atrigger), bonded zone (often further distinguished as a zone having twoor more players, a “paired player,” or “consolidated player”), and soon. In certain embodiments, players can be grouped and ungroupeddynamically, preferably through a control interface, such as a wirelesscontroller. It is understood, however, that a control interface may notbe required to group and ungroup players. Grouped players can be furthergrouped with other players and/or zone groups to create yet another(i.e., nested) group of players.

In some embodiments, when a group of players is created or when a playeris added to a zone group, such as by user command(s) input through acontroller, the player(s) of the grouped zone can each store an updatedstate variable that indicates the players that are included in thegrouped zone. In some embodiments, a player knows it is in a zone groupbased on the state variable stored in memory at the player, for example.In some embodiments, the controller(s) in the system identify a playeris in a grouped zone by querying a player in the grouped zone for thestate variable. The controllers may use this information to display on adisplay screen that a player is grouped in a zone. In other embodiments,the state variable is stored at a master player, in the controller, orsome other accessible location.

In the example system, users can listen to audio in one or more zones(also referred to as listening areas or rooms), and users can movebetween zones to experience audio throughout the home. In someembodiments, a controller can be used to control any zone or zone groupin the household. Each zone can be assigned a user-readable “room name,”(e.g., living room) and each player can be uniquely identified withinthe system. If a zone group is formed and a “room name” is assigned tothe group, then each player of the zone group is associated with the“room name.” Therefore, it is possible for the system to identify a zoneby identifying a player in that zone.

B. Acoustic Signature

In some embodiments, an acoustic signature is an audio signal that istransmitted (or played) from a playback device that can be used toidentify the playback device or the zone or both where audio is played.The acoustic signature may be played using speakers associated with aplayer normally intended for audio playback, speakers dedicated toproviding an acoustic signature, or both kinds of speakers.

In some embodiments an acoustic signature is used to identify a playbackdevice in a household. In one example embodiment, each playback devicein a household has a unique acoustic signature that identifies theplayer. For example a playback device can transmit the same acousticsignature if it is acting as a stand-alone player or if it is groupedwith other players. In some embodiments, the acoustic signature mayinclude additional information about the playback device. For example,the acoustic signature may include characteristics about the playbackdevice such as the model number or current configuration (e.g., thepositioning of the playback device, a specification of the playbackdevice, the grouping of the playback device, and so on). In someembodiments, the acoustic signature is dynamic and may change. Forexample, the acoustic signature may change if the configuration of theplayback device changes.

In some embodiments an acoustic signature is used to identify a zone orzone group. In one example embodiment, each zone or zone group in ahousehold has a unique acoustic signature. For example, with referenceto FIG. 1, the two playback devices 106 and 108 that are associated withthe “Family Room” zone may play the same acoustic signature identifyingthe “Family Room.” In this example, if the “Family Room” zone wassubsequently linked together with the “Kitchen” zone to form a zonegroup, then the playback devices 106, 108, and 102 may play the sameacoustic signature identifying the new zone group. In one exampleembodiment, players playing the same acoustic signature do so insynchrony. In another example embodiment, the acoustic signature is notplayed in synchrony.

In another embodiment, a subset of playback devices that are groupedtogether play the acoustic signature for the zone group. For example,with reference to the “Home Theater Room” of FIG. 1, playback device 132may play an acoustic signature identifying the “Home Theater Room” zone,while the remaining players 116, 118, and 120 do not play an acousticsignature. The subset of players selected to play the acoustic signaturemay be based on the capabilities of the players (e.g., acousticcapabilities, processing capabilities, etc.) or some other criteria(e.g., random selection, etc.). In some embodiments, the playback deviceselected to play the acoustic signature is transitioned from one deviceto another.

In some embodiments, an acoustic signature includes identificationinformation for a playback device and a zone. For example, withreference to the “Family Room” zone in FIG. 1, playback device 106 maytransmit an acoustic signature that identifies the playback deviceitself as well as the “Family Room” zone. In other embodiments, a singleplayback device may transmit multiple acoustic signatures. For example,playback device 106 may transmit two acoustic signatures: one acousticsignature identifying the playback device itself, and a second acousticsignature identifying the “Family Room” zone.

In one example embodiment, an acoustic signature is designed such thatit can be detected by a microphone (e.g., on a controller), but cannotbe heard by a user. For example, the acoustic signature could be shapedsuch that the frequencies of the signature are outside, or generallyoutside, the listening response of the human ear. In FIG. 7, an examplegraph 700 shows both the equal-loudness contours from ISO 226:2003 andthe original ISO standard. These contours show a sound pressure (dBSPL)as a function of frequency for which a listener perceives a constantloudness when presented with pure tones. The contours were developedexperimentally using real listeners. Although the contours may not beabsolute thresholds for all humans, the contours are considered abenchmark for the audible range of the human ear. Specifically, thebottom contour 710 is considered to be the absolute threshold ofhearing. As can be seen by these contours, the human auditory system isgenerally sensitive to frequencies from around 20 Hz to 20 kHz.Furthermore, these contours show listening response of the human eardepends on the combination of sound pressure and frequency. Looking atthe bottom contour 710, it can be seen that the human auditory system isnot sensitive to tones, for example, in the 20 Hz-50 Hz range at powerlevels less than 40 dBSPL.

In one example embodiment, the acoustic signature can be transmitted orplayed using low frequency signals that are difficult to hear by peopleat low volumes and are relatively omnidirectional, yet are stilldetectable by a microphone. In one example, the acoustic signature isplayed using signals (or tones) in the 20 Hz-40 Hz frequency range atpower levels around 40 dBA; as described above, these tones aregenerally outside the listening response of the human ear yet stilldetectable by a microphone.

In one embodiment, the acoustic signature includes identificationinformation that is modulated about a carrier frequency. For example,the acoustic signature may carry identification information via anamplitude modulated (AM) signal. In another embodiment, the acousticsignature may carry identification information via a frequency modulated(FM) signal. Other modulation schemes exist.

In one example embodiment, the acoustic signature may be a tone orsignal centered on a frequency. In one example, the frequency of thetone is used to identify the playback device. For example, a 25 Hz tonemay be used to identify one playback device, and a 30 Hz tone may beused to identify another playback device. In another example, the samefrequency is used for all playback devices and each playback device isidentified using modulation technique as mentioned above. If each toneis transmitted using the same (or substantially the same) output level,then power detection can be used on a controller, for example, to selectthe acoustic signature that has the greatest received power.

In some embodiments, an acoustic signature may be transmitted from aplayback device while music is playing through the playback device. Inone example embodiment, the acoustic signature is mixed with the audiofor playback after signal processing has been applied to the audio forplayback as shown in FIG. 5. In another example embodiment, the acousticsignature is played using a speaker intended for the acoustic signature.In some embodiments, an acoustic signature may be transmitted from aplayback device when music is not playing through the playback device.

In certain embodiments, an acoustic signature may be transmitted on aregular basis, based on a trigger or an event, or some combination ofthe two. In some embodiments, an acoustic signature is transmittedperiodically. For example, the acoustic signature may be transmittedevery two seconds. In some embodiments an acoustic signature may betransmitted based on a trigger or an event. For example, a playbackdevice may transmit an acoustic signature when the system detects that acontroller is being used. The detection of a controller being used canoccur, for example, by the system receiving messages from a controller.In one example, when a controller is used, it first exchanges messageswith the system to get state information and/or identify itself with thesystem before enabling the user to control the system. The system canuse this exchange to detect that a controller is being used. In anotherexample, the acoustic signature may be transmitted responsive to arequest made by the controller. In yet another example, a playbackdevice may transmit an acoustic signature based on a time-triggeredevent. For example, the system may profile user activity and use theuser profile to trigger the transmission of the acoustic signature. Forexample, if the user profile indicates that a user does not use thecontroller between the hours of 2 am and 6 am, the system may transmitthe acoustic profile starting at approximately 6 am.

C. Auto Recognition

In an example system, an acoustic signature can be automaticallydetected by a controller (e.g., the controller 600) when the controlleris in the vicinity of a playback device. In some embodiments, amicrophone is used on a controller (e.g., the microphone 616 oncontroller 600) to detect the acoustic signature. In certainembodiments, a device recognition module (e.g., device recognitionmodule 618 on the controller 600) identifies a playback device or zonebased on the detection of an acoustic signature.

In some embodiments, the image displayed on a screen of a controller(e.g., screen 602 on controller 600) is determined from the playbackdevice or zone identified by the device recognition module 618. Forexample, when controller application is started or awoken from a dormantstate (e.g., when the SONOS™ Controller application is launched on anIPHONE™, IPAD™, or ANDROID™ device), the default home screen can be thezone that is identified by the device recognition module 618 on thecontroller 600.

In some embodiments, the ability to automatically detect the acousticsignature (and the transmission of the acoustic signature itself) can beenabled or disabled by configuration. In one embodiment, a user using auser interface on a controller can enable or disable “Auto Recognition”for the system. In one example, when “Auto Recognition” is enabled forthe system, all players in the system emit acoustic signatures. Inanother example, when “Auto Recognition” is enabled for the system, onlya subset of players emits acoustic signatures. In another embodiment, auser using a user interface on a controller can enable or disable “AutoRecognition” for a particular controller. In certain embodiments, theconfiguration of “Auto Recognition” on a controller may be disabled evenif “Auto Recognition” is enabled for the system. For example, a user maywant to disable/enable “Auto Recognition” on a portable controller topreserve the battery life.

D. Example Auto Recognition Method

FIG. 8a illustrates a flow diagram of an example method 800 tofacilitate automatic recognition of a playback device using an acousticsignature. At block 804, a controller, such as controller 600 (e.g., adedicated hardware controller or a controller application running on asmartphone, tablet computer, PC, MAC™, and so on), listens for anacoustic signature. For example, the controller can enable themicrophone 616 to begin capturing audio and the device recognitionmodule 618 to identify the playback device. Signal processing can beused to determine if an acoustic signature is detected in block 806. Forexample, audio captured from the microphone 616 can be passed throughthe input interface 614 to the micro controller 606 where demodulationand detection algorithms can determine if an acoustic signature ispresent.

If an acoustic signature is detected, then the playback device isidentified in block 808. The device recognition module 618 of thecontroller, for example, can be used to identify the device.

In the event that multiple acoustic signatures are detected on acontroller, for example, algorithms can be used to select a singleacoustic signature. For example, the signal power levels can be comparedand the acoustic signature with the highest power level can be selected.

Once the playback device is identified, then the UI on the controllercan be modified to indicate the device has been identified in block 810.

FIG. 8b illustrates a flow diagram of an example method 850 tofacilitate automatic recognition of a zone using an acoustic signature.At block 854, a controller, such as controller 600 (e.g., a dedicatedhardware controller or a controller application running on a smartphone,tablet computer, PC, MAC™, and so on), listens for an acousticsignature. For example the controller can enable the microphone 616 tobegin capturing audio and the device recognition module 618 to identifythe zone. For example if the acoustic signature corresponds to aplayback device, then the current zone can be determined once the playeris identified. Alternatively, if the acoustic signature corresponds to azone, then the zone is immediately identified. Referring to the examplesystem of FIG. 1, if the user using a handheld controller with autorecognition, for example, leaves the “Dining Room” and enters the“Family Room,” the controller may detect the acoustic signature fromzone player 106 and identify that it is now in the “Family Room.”

Signal processing can be used to determine if an acoustic signature isdetected in block 856. For example, audio captured from the microphone616 can be passed through the input interface 614 to the microcontroller 606 where demodulation and detection algorithms can determineif an acoustic signature is present.

If an acoustic signature is detected, then the playback device isidentified in block 858. For example, the device recognition module 618of the controller can be used to identify the device. Following theabove example with reference to FIG. 1, once the controller hasidentified the zone as the “Family Room,” then the controller canautomatically modify the UI to show, for example, the “Now Playing”screen for the “Family Room.” Since the display has been automaticallyupdated to reflect the current zone, the user can modify the playback ofthe current zone without having to navigate the UI to find the currentzone.

It is understood that other kinds of UI modification can occur based onan acoustic signature. For example, a controller used in the home andoffice (and/or vehicle) may modify the UI based on the detected acousticsignature. For the example, a home might provide one type of acousticsignature, whereas the office and/or vehicle might provide a differenttype of acoustic signature. When a user enters the home (or office) witha controller, for example, the user interface on the controller mayresponsively display an interface tailored to the home (or office) afterdetecting the acoustic signature of the home (or office).

It is also understood that acoustic signature detection may be used todetermine players within a zone. For example, a rear surround player maytransmit an acoustic signature that indicates it is a rear surroundplayer. In some instances, the rear surround player might furtherdistinguish itself from a right or left rear surround player. In someembodiments, triangulation techniques may be used to determine the userorientation. In some embodiments, the acoustic signature and volumelevel detection may be used to determine where a controller (and user)is located in a zone. For example, the controller may detect a slowdecrease in the volume of the acoustic signature of the right channelspeaker(s) and therefore determine that the user is moving away from theright channel speakers. Modification to the right channel speakers,including EQ changes, may be made to account for the user's proximity.

VIII. Conclusion

Many embodiments, examples, and advantages have been described herein.For instance, in some embodiments, a first module detects an acousticsignature transmitted by a playback device, and a second moduleresponsively modifies the user interface on a controller. In someembodiments, the first and second modules are on a controller. In someembodiments, the acoustic signature identifies a playback device. Insome embodiments, the user interface is modified to show informationabout the playback device corresponding to the acoustic signature. Insome embodiments, the user interface is modifies to show informationabout the zone associated with the playback device.

In some embodiments, the acoustic signature identifies a zone. In someembodiments, the user interface is modified to show information aboutthe zone corresponding to the acoustic signature.

In some embodiments, the acoustic signature transmitted by a playbackdevice is dynamic. In some embodiments, the acoustic signature changesbased on the characteristics of a playback device. In some embodiments,the acoustic signature changes based on the zone configuration. In someembodiments, the acoustic signature changes based on the zone groupconfiguration.

In some embodiments a comparison algorithm is uses to select an acousticsignature when multiple acoustic signatures are detected. In someembodiments, power detection is used in the comparison algorithm.

In some embodiments, the acoustic signature is transmittedsimultaneously with audio from the playback device. In some embodiments,the acoustic signature is transmitted when no other audio is played fromthe playback device.

The description discloses various example systems, methods, apparatus,and articles of manufacture including, among other components, firmwareand/or software executed on hardware. However, such examples are merelyillustrative and should not be considered as limiting. For example, itis contemplated that any or all of these firmware, hardware, and/orsoftware components can be embodied exclusively in hardware, exclusivelyin software, exclusively in firmware, or in any combination of hardware,software, and/or firmware. Accordingly, while the following describesexample systems, methods, apparatus, and/or articles of manufacture, theexamples provided are not the only way(s) to implement such systems,methods, apparatus, and/or articles of manufacture.

Additionally, reference herein to “embodiment” means that a particularfeature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with theembodiment can be included in at least one example embodiment of theinvention. The appearances of this phrase in various places in thespecification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment,nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of otherembodiments. As such, the embodiments described herein, explicitly andimplicitly understood by one skilled in the art, can be combined withother embodiments.

The specification is presented largely in terms of illustrativeenvironments, systems, procedures, steps, logic blocks, processing, andother symbolic representations that directly or indirectly resemble theoperations of data processing devices coupled to networks. These processdescriptions and representations are typically used by those skilled inthe art to most effectively convey the substance of their work to othersskilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth to provide athorough understanding of the present disclosure. However, it isunderstood to those skilled in the art that certain embodiments of thepresent disclosure can be practiced without certain, specific details.In other instances, well known methods, procedures, components, andcircuitry have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarilyobscuring aspects of the embodiments. Accordingly, the scope of thepresent disclosure is defined by the appended claims rather than theforgoing description of embodiments.

When any of the appended claims are read to cover a purely softwareand/or firmware implementation, at least one of the elements in at leastone example is hereby expressly defined to include a tangible mediumsuch as a memory, DVD, CD, Blu-ray, and so on, storing the softwareand/or firmware.

I claim:
 1. A tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium havingstored thereon instructions executable by a processor, wherein theinstructions, when executed by the processor, cause a controller deviceto perform functions comprising: receiving, via a microphone of thecontroller device, an audio signal played by a playback device, theaudio signal indicating network information corresponding to theplayback device; identifying the playback device based on the networkinformation; and responsively, modifying a user interface on thecontroller device based on the identification of the playback device. 2.The tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 1,wherein the audio signal played by the playback device comprises audiofrequencies outside a range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz.
 3. The tangible,non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 1, wherein thefunctions further comprise: prior to detecting the audio signal playedby the playback device, receiving from the playback device, dataindicating the network information corresponding to the playback device.4. The tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 1,wherein the audio signal played by the playback device further indicatesa zone of the playback device, and wherein the functions furthercomprise: modifying the user interface on the controller device based onthe zone of the playback device.
 5. The tangible, non-transitorycomputer-readable medium of claim 1, wherein the functions furthercomprise: prior to identifying the playback device based on the networkinformation, demodulating the audio signal to determine the networkinformation.
 6. The tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium ofclaim 1, wherein the audio signal comprises one or more of (i) anamplitude modulated (AM) component indicating the network informationcorresponding to the playback device, and (ii) a frequency modulated(FM) component indicating the network information corresponding to theplayback device.
 7. The tangible, non-transitory computer-readablemedium of claim 1, wherein the functions further comprise: prior todetecting the audio signal played by the playback device, receivinginput to enable identification of the playback device based on audiosignals played by the playback device; and transmitting to the playbackdevice, a message indicating that the controller device is enabled toidentify the playback device based on the audio signal played by theplayback device.
 8. The tangible, non-transitory computer-readablemedium of claim 1, wherein the network information corresponding to theplayback device comprises a unique network identification correspondingto the playback device.
 9. A playback device comprising: at least onespeaker; a processor; and tangible, non-transitory computer-readablememory having stored thereon instructions executable by the processor,wherein the instructions, when executed by the processor, cause theplayback device to perform functions comprising: determining that anacoustic signature signal indicating network information correspondingto the playback device is to be played; and playing by the at least onespeaker, the acoustic signature signal indicating network informationcorresponding to the playback device.
 10. The playback device of claim9, wherein the functions further comprise: receiving data indicatingaudio content to be played by the playback device; and generating anaudio output signal based on the acoustic signature signal indicatingnetwork information corresponding to the playback device and the audiocontent to be played by the playback device, wherein playing by the atleast one speaker, the acoustic signature signal comprises: playing bythe at least one speaker, the audio output signal.
 11. The playbackdevice of claim 9, wherein determining that an acoustic signature signalindicating network information corresponding to the playback device isto be played comprises: receiving a message from a controller deviceconfigured to control the playback device.
 12. The playback device ofclaim 11, wherein the message comprises a command to play the acousticsignature signal.
 13. The playback device of claim 11, wherein themessage comprises a command to play audio content.
 14. The playbackdevice of claim 11, wherein the message comprises a command to transmitat least one state variable associated with the playback device.
 15. Theplayback device of claim 9, wherein the acoustic signature signalcomprises audio frequencies outside a range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz.
 16. Theplayback device of claim 9, wherein determining that an acousticsignature signal indicating network information corresponding to theplayback device is to be played comprises: determining that apredetermined duration of time has expired since the acoustic signaturesignal was previously played.
 17. The playback device of claim 9,wherein the acoustic signature signal further comprises zoneconfiguration information for the playback device, wherein the acousticsignature signal is a first acoustic signature signal, and wherein thefunctions further comprise: modifying a zone configuration of theplayback device; and playing a second acoustic signature signalindicating (i) the network information corresponding to the playbackdevice and (ii) the modified zone configuration.
 18. The playback deviceof claim 9, wherein the acoustic signature signal is a first acousticsignature signal, and wherein the functions further comprise: playing asecond acoustic signature signal indicating a zone configuration of theplayback device.
 19. A controller device comprising: a microphone; aprocessor; and tangible, non-transitory computer-readable memory havingstored thereon instructions executable by the processor, wherein theinstructions, when executed by the processor, cause the controllerdevice to perform functions comprising: detecting, via the microphone,an audio signal played by a playback device, the audio signal indicatingnetwork information corresponding to the playback device; identifyingthe playback device based on the network information; and responsively,modifying a user interface on the controller device based on theidentification of the playback device.
 20. The controller device ofclaim 19, wherein the network information corresponding to the playbackdevice comprises a unique network identification corresponding to theplayback device.
 21. The tangible, non-transitory computer-readablemedium of claim 1, wherein the network information corresponding to theplayback device comprises a number corresponding to the playback device.22. The tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 1,wherein the network information corresponding to the playback deviceindicates a zone corresponding to the playback device.
 23. The tangible,non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 1, wherein the networkinformation corresponding to the playback device indicates a zone groupcorresponding to the playback device.
 24. The tangible, non-transitorycomputer-readable medium of claim 1, wherein the functions furthercomprise: prior to receiving, via the microphone of the controllerdevice, the audio signal played by the playback device, receiving by thecontroller device, an input to control playback of audio content by theplayback device.
 25. The tangible, non-transitory computer-readablemedium of claim 1, wherein modifying the user interface on thecontroller device comprises: modifying the user interface to display anindication of the playback device.
 26. The playback device of claim 9,wherein determining that the acoustic signature signal indicatingnetwork information corresponding to the playback device is to be playedcomprises: receiving an input to enable an operation mode of theplayback device, wherein the operation mode of the playback devicecomprises playback of the acoustic signature signal.
 27. The playbackdevice of claim 9, wherein the functions further comprise: prior toplaying the acoustic signature signal, identifying network informationcorresponding to the playback device; and generating the acousticsignature signal based on the identified network informationcorresponding to the playback device.
 28. The controller device of claim19, wherein the network information corresponding to the playback devicecomprises a number corresponding to the playback device.
 29. Thecontroller device of claim 19, wherein the network informationcorresponding to the playback device indicates a zone corresponding tothe playback device.
 30. The controller device of claim 19, wherein thenetwork information corresponding to the playback device indicates azone group corresponding to the playback device.
 31. The controllerdevice of claim 19, wherein the functions further comprise: prior toreceiving, via the microphone of the controller device, the audio signalplayed by the playback device, receiving by the controller device, aninput to control playback of audio content by the playback device. 32.The controller device of claim 19, wherein modifying the user interfaceon the controller device comprises: modifying the user interface todisplay an indication of the playback device.